The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of photography. We are the only nonprofit organization in Denver dedicated exclusively to photography, and the largest center for photography in the Mountain West region. Check out our About and History pages to learn more.
CPAC is located at 1200 Lincoln Street, Suite 111, Denver, CO 80203.
CPAC is open to the public Tuesday – Friday, 11 am – 5 pm, and Saturday, Noon – 4 pm.
(Class times may vary.)
We do not have a designated parking lot for the Center. There is Denver Arts Garage located just north of the Art Studios (at 1226 Lincoln Street); however, please note there is no elevator that is part of the garage. Parking is also available at the Cultural Center Complex Garage at 12th Avenue and Broadway. Accessible parking spaces are located on the second level and electric vehicle charging stations are available on the third level.
There are surface parking lots in area, for instance at 1131 Lincoln Street and 1255 Sherman Street.
Street parking is available within a walking distance, but may require metered parking with various time restrictions.
Public Transit
If taking public transportation, multiple RTD buses will stop within walking distance, the closest stop being at Lincoln St. & 13th Ave. This stop is accessible via the 0, 0L, 3L, 6, 10, 83D, and 83L buses.
The closest RTD rail station is 16th & California. Once you get off the rail system, take the RTD’s Free MallRide to Civic Center Station, then walk south down Broadway until you reach 12th. When you reach 12th take a left towards Lincoln.
For more information, visit rtd-denver.com.
Yes! All of CPAC’s exhibitions are free and open to the public, year-round.
Masks are optional for visitors. All CPAC staff are fully vaccinated.
Yes, CPAC is wheelchair accessible.
Visit CPAC’s Call for Entry page for the latest exhibition opportunities. All CPAC members are automatically eligible to enter CPAC’s Annual Juried Members’ Exhibition.
Additionally, every two years, CPAC presents the Month of Photography Denver festival. This massive event includes 100+ exhibitions and events throughout the Denver metro region, creating exhibition opportunities for hundreds of photographers. Visit denvermop.org to learn more.
The next Month of Photography Denver festival (known as “MOP”) will take place March 1 – 31, 2027. Visit denvermop.org to learn more.
View all upcoming classes and workshops, class policies, instructor bios, and more information at cpacphoto.org/education.
CPAC’s classes and workshops are open to adults of all skill levels — whether you’re a beginner just learning camera settings, an intermediate photographer seeking to improve your skills, or an advanced photographer craving inspiration. We also offer summer workshops for teens and the Veterans Workshop Series, a free arts education program for Colorado-based U.S. military Veterans.
Classes vary from one-day intensive workshops to multi-week, immersive courses.
CPAC’s year-round education program offers approximately 50 photography classes annually, providing hands-on learning opportunities for photographers of all skill levels. New adult workshops and classes are posted on a rolling basis as they are confirmed. Teen Workshops are typically announced seasonally in early March. It is recommended to frequently check out our education page.
Classes take place in person at CPAC or online. Others take place at our partner facility the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design – and at off-site locations such as artist studios or Colorado’s famous outdoors.
Reserving the darkroom or digital lab is easy using our online submission process.
Book the Darkroom.
Book the Digital Lab.
Yes! CPAC offers one-on-one tutoring sessions for the digital lab and darkroom with experienced instructors for three-hour long sessions. Pricing varies based on if you have a membership. CPAC staff do not provide tutoring for the darkroom. If you need assistance in our digital lab, you must arrange time with staff in advance and will be charged by the hour.
As a nonprofit organization, CPAC relies on donations from individuals, foundations, memberships, sponsorships, and income from education programming to fund our mission. Simply put, our work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of people like you who care about photography and the artists who create it. Please consider donating today.